Using Emergency Contraceptive Pills Before Your Period: What to Know

Taking emergency contraceptive pills outside of the menstrual period?

Hello, Doctor! I usually have my menstrual period around the 24th of each month, but I took the emergency contraceptive pill for the first time on October 13th.
Now that several days have passed, I would like to ask if taking it early, before my expected period, will have the same contraceptive effect as taking it during the first to fifth days of my menstrual cycle.
My main reason for taking it early is simply for contraception, not to regulate my cycle, and I prefer not to wait until the first day of my normal period on the 24th to start taking it.
What would you recommend? Should I stop taking the pill now to allow my period to come and then start taking it, or should I continue taking it as scheduled for 21 days and then stop for 7 days? Will the contraceptive effect be significant? If I stop taking it now, is there a possibility that it could cause irregular periods? Thank you for clarifying my doubts!

Ting, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/18

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Emergency contraceptive pills are effective only after being taken continuously for more than one week.
2.
Starting to take them at any time may disrupt the natural menstrual cycle.

Reply Date: 2021/10/18

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to understand how they work and the best practices for their use. Based on your situation, where you have taken ECPs before your expected menstrual period, let’s clarify a few key points.

Firstly, emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days later. However, they are not intended for regular contraceptive use and should not be confused with regular birth control pills.

In your case, you mentioned that you took ECPs on October 13th, while your regular menstrual cycle typically starts around the 24th of each month. Taking ECPs before your expected period does not provide the same contraceptive effect as taking regular birth control pills. ECPs work primarily by delaying ovulation, and if you are already in the luteal phase of your cycle (which is likely if your period is due soon), the effectiveness of ECPs diminishes significantly.

Regarding your question about whether you should continue taking the pills as per the regular schedule (21 days on, 7 days off), it is crucial to note that ECPs are not meant to be taken in this manner. If you are using ECPs, you should not continue taking them beyond the initial dose unless directed by a healthcare provider. Continuing to take them could lead to unnecessary side effects and does not enhance their contraceptive effectiveness.

If you stop taking the ECPs now, it is unlikely to cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle, especially since you are close to your expected period. However, it is possible that the hormonal changes from taking the ECPs could affect your cycle slightly, leading to changes in timing or flow.
If your primary goal is to avoid pregnancy and you are looking for a reliable contraceptive method, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider about starting a regular form of birth control. This could include hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or other methods that suit your lifestyle and health needs.

In summary, taking ECPs before your period does not provide the same contraceptive effect as regular birth control pills, and you should not continue taking them as if they were a regular contraceptive method. If you have further concerns about your menstrual cycle or contraceptive options, I recommend discussing them with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your health history and needs.

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